Recent content by Bruce

I’ve seen a number of posts where it is stated, almost as a given, that Zaino bonds to the paint surface by cross-linking. Zaino says on its web site that “Z-1 Polish Lokâ„¢ creates…a flat molecular bond between paint and polish…â€� (No such statement for ZFX). Can...

I feel like a little boy asking his daddy why the sky is blue, but if I understood how wax or sealant bonds to the car’s paint I might be able to make more sense out of such frequent Autopia topics as layering, polymer crosslinking, or the infamous Dawn wash. This would help me determine...

How long should I wait between coats of EX? I just finished a panel with VM topped with EX, and I must say, it is stunning. I'm thinking another layer or two might look even better and extend durability, and I'm wondering if the EX might need a day to cure.

Does anybody have any good (or bad) experience to report using Z2/Z5 over AIO? AIO would give the clean paint Sal Zaino wants, with no wax or oils, but I assume it leaves something behind in the way of shine and sealant protection. The question is whether that something would be compatible...

My son and I are going to do a new-car detailing on his 2004 Subaru Forester this weekend before winter sets in. The car is blue, but the huge lower side panels and bumpers are textured black plastic. What should I use on them for protection and appearance?

I finished detailing my dark blue car several weeks ago, and was very pleased with the result. But then I had to go and examine it with my new toy, a 500-watt hand-held halogen lamp that I picked up at Home Depot for $20. There were many swirls, faint scratches and water stain remnants that I...

If the car has been freshly clayed and polished, what would be good to remove a finish such as Klasse SG in order to try something else? I have some EX coming, and I'd like to try it on a clean slate.

I've noticed that a number of people are using the AIO/UPP combination. Are there advantages to following AIO with UPP instead of Klasse's SG?

Is a wool pad more agressive than a yellow (or purple) foam cutting pad on a PC? On a rotary, yes, but I'm starting to wonder if the PC has enough oomph to take advantage of the wool. I've been doing a lot of experimenting with different products using a PC and wool and yellow foam pads to go...

I've finally talked my son into bringing his white Acura over for detailing next week. My goal is to 1) really impress him with how spectacular his car can look so he 2) will stop saying, "Get a life, Dad." But I've never done a white car. The car is six years old and looks pretty good, but...

Much as I love AIO ("It cleans, polishes and protects in one easy step..."), there are times when I'd like the Klasse long-term protection without having to use AIO. In particular, if I have thoroughly polished my paint, it is CLEAN and I don't need AIO's cleaning and polishing action. The...

I need some recommedations for something to go after scratches with a PC that have defied 3M Perfect-It II Rubbing Compound-Fine Cut 39002. I don't have a rotary. They have also resisted Einszett Ultra Polish with both CMA yellow pad and wool pad at 6. The Ultra Polish seems to be more...

I've been working hard on 8-year old med-green paint (clearcoat) with various compounds and polishes and PC pads, but some scratches and marring remain. I'll try to hide them, but I'm planning on Klasse or Zaino, and I don't know if that's possible. The Dawn wash Sal Zaino insists on will...

The Autopia store describes Einszett Ultra Paint Polish as having a high cutting level, good for removing light scratches and heavy swirl marks or water spots. But for hand use only. The Einszett web site does not say you should use it only by hand. I'm wondering if it would be OK to use...

I’m looking for a polish/glaze/cleaner/swirl remover—whatever it might be called—with a mild abrasive to use as the last step before using a sealant such as Zaino or Klasse. It’s turning out to be more puzzling than I would have thought. My first detailing (learned right here at...